Australian passport holders can apply for an e-Visa through the official Government of India portal, indianvisaonline.gov.in. For a holiday you will usually choose between a 30-day, a one-year or a five-year tourist e-Visa. Most people on a single trip take the 30-day or one-year option.

Direct flights to Delhi are offered from some Australian cities, and one-stop options via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or a Gulf hub are common from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Allow roughly 12 hours for a direct flight and 16 to 20 or more with a connection. Schedules change, so check current options before booking.

The good news is the time difference. India is four and a half hours behind Brisbane and Queensland, five and a half behind Sydney and Melbourne during daylight saving, and two and a half hours behind Perth. That is far gentler than flying to Europe or North America. Many flights land at night or early morning, so book your first hotel night so you can rest straight away.

India's cool, dry season runs from October to March, and it happens to line up well with several Australian holiday periods.

Because of the long flight, we suggest at least seven days on the ground, and ten or more if you can manage it. These are the routes Australians most often choose.

• 7 days, India Tour for First Timers with Taj Mahal: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with the Taj at sunrise. The right start if time is short.
• 9 days, Grand Rajasthan and Golden Triangle: more of Rajasthan with less time in the car.
• 12 days, India Tour for First Timers, North India: adds the Blue City and a village safari.
• 14 days, Varanasi to Udaipur: the full loop, including the desert fort of Jaisalmer.
• 21 days, Grand Rajasthan with North and South India: palaces first, then a houseboat in Kerala.

If you like the idea of travelling by train, see our India train and rail tours. If forts and heritage hotels are the draw, start with our guide to Rajasthan's forts and palaces.

Most visitors have trouble-free trips, and travelling with a private driver and guide removes much of the stress. It is still sensible to check the Australian Government's Smartraveller advice for India before you book and again before you fly, and to register your travel there. See a travel doctor six to eight weeks before departure about vaccinations, and take out travel insurance that covers India.

• Power adapters. India uses sockets that differ from Australian ones, so bring a universal adapter.
• Phone data. An eSIM or a local SIM on arrival is cheap and saves roaming charges.
• Water and food. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and eat where the food is freshly cooked.
• Dress. Light, loose layers that cover shoulders and knees work for heat, temples and cold mornings alike.
• Money. Cards work in hotels and larger shops, but carry some rupees for markets, tips and small purchases.